July 9, 2026

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 08 July 2026


Welcome to Housing Matters Podcast

DIO are excited to launch Housing Matters, our new podcast created for military families. This podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.

Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.

In episode one, we take a closer look at what the Defence Housing Strategy really means for those living in SFA. Our guests are DIO Chief Operating Officer, David Brewer, who played a key role in the development of the Strategy, and Chris Keen, a military spouse who has lived in 11 different SFA properties. The discussion goes beyond the headlines to explore the investment, ambition and real-world impact behind the Strategy.

You can watch episode one on Defence Homes.

The five-part Housing Matters series will continue with a new episode released fortnightly on a Wednesday. Upcoming episodes include an honest conversation about damp and mould with our suppliers, a deeper look at the unique challenges military families face and how their housing works, the importance of building strong communities on patch and the new freedoms military families have to personalise their military house to feel like a home.

So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.

Catterick: Lloyds Bank Community Bankers alternate Wednesdays


 
Lloyds Banking Group will be at Catterick Library on Wednesday 22nd July between 10am-4pm.

Community bankers will be available to help you with banking services and account support.

If you can, please call ahead to let us know you are coming. You can contact Catterick Library on 01609 534595.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Richmond & Catterick: FREE Percussion Workshop 24th July


As part of the Summer Reading Challenge, we're inviting children aged 5-11 to join us for an exciting percussion workshop where they'll explore rhythms, try a variety of percussion instruments, and become part of a brilliant rhythm band.

Friday 24th July
11:00am - Richmond Library
2:15pm - Catterick Library

The workshop is FREE, but spaces are limited, so booking is essential. To book your place, call:

Richmond Library: 01609 534580
Catterick Library: 01606 534595

We look forward to seeing lots of young musicians making some noise this summer!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

July 8, 2026

Shropshire: AWS Family Afternoon Tea - Ternhill and Donnington


 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison cinema volunteer opportunities


The Forum Cinema Blandford is looking for volunteers to join our small team. It has been open and running since 1997 and is a major asset to our community. We are the most visited BFBS cinema in the UK and we would love to see it continue to grow. There is a variety of volunteering opportunities to suit everyone. Help as little or as much as you would like. Tasks include

* Projectionist

* Ticket sales

* Food sales

* Social media /Advertising / Posters

Films are shown 2 nights a week from 18.30 on either Monday, Wednesday or Friday

And up to 4 Sundays a month from 13.30

If you are interested, please contact Theresa.sansom100@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE


Blandford: Garrison 'Little Buds' baby & toddler group




Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison weekly fitness sessions - child friendly



For more information click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE



Bovington: BFBS Radio live on air throughout the Garrison

 

The military community in Bovington Garrison can listen to BFBS Radio on 100.8FM.

The schedule brings listeners a great mix of local and global radio, combining the BFBS Blandford Breakfast Show – weekdays from 0630-1000hrs – with programmes from BFBS Radio’s worldwide network.

The BFBS service will continue to be maintained in Bovington on 1287 AM too.

If you have a story or message that you would like to broadcast on BFBS, please contact Producer/Presenter for BFBS Blandford, Jason Herbert, via blandford@bfbs.com.

BLANDFORD CAMP

BFBS radio Namaste, Blandford. BFBS Gurkha 101.5FM

Blandford Garrison radio is live on 100.8FM

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support


The mobile advice bus will be parked adjacent to the HIVE building (Corner of King George V Road & Swinton Avenue) Speak to advisors face to face.

Available to all Garrison personnel, spouses, partners, reserves, veterans, civil servants, MOD contractors and local civilian community. Confidentiality guaranteed.

Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Unwanted free household collection service for local residents



Are you due to move soon and would like to donate unwanted furniture, household goods?

Dorset Reclaim is a not-for-profit furniture re-use project offering electrical and household goods donated from local people & businesses to the general public with additional discounts available for households on low incomes.

Click HERE for more information or to donate unwanted household goods (in good or working condition) 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE